March 5, 2007
U.K.
U.K.
Leaflets will be handed out and a petition drawn up against a Calderdale windfarm.
Following a public meeting at the Fielden Centre, Ewood Lane, Todmorden, around 25 people gathered to discuss opposition plans against the five turbines to be built at Todmorden Moor.
An action group which is part of the Friends of South Pennine discussed methods to distribute leaflets as well as sending letters of objection to Calderdale Council against the planned windfarm by Coronation Power.
The Friends of South Pennine was set up to look into the number of windfarm applications made in the area.
Robin Pennie, heading the group, said: “All the sites suffer from the same problems.
“Whatever happens, it is going to affect the peat and its ability to retain water.
“That will affect the water table, natural springs and local water courses, which will lead to an increased risk of flooding.”
Coronation Power has put in a planning application for the five 410-ft high turbines on Todmorden Moor, which they say will help generate clean and sustainable energy.
Mr Pennie said the moor was riddled with old mine workings, which could be disturbed and there was an argument over the amount of electricity produced by the turbines.
He said: “We went through outline plans for the area of the windfarm and looked at some of the problems associated with its installation. We will be collecting representations against Coronation Power and sending them on to the council.”
The 25 or so members of Rossendale Valley Model Flying Club members who have used the moor since the end of World War Two have maintained a manicured take-off and landing strip on the moor for models with wingspans up to 10ft.
But the company is determined to proceed following what it called a 20-month assessment of the environmental impact of their proposals, detailed technical studies and widespread consultation with people living and working in the surrounding area.
Turbines will generate up to 15 MW of power for approximately 8,300 homes and those at Reaps Moss up to 12MW of electricity, the equivalent to the annual energy needs of about 6,700 homes.
Subject to planning consent, building work should begin in the second half of 2008.
Each farm will be connected to the National Grid for use in the north west region.
By Rehana Zeria
5 March 2007
URL to article: https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2007/03/05/protest-over-windfarm/